Arizona State tabs Graham Rossini as new athletic director

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State has named longtime sports business executive Graham Rossini as its next athletic director.

An Arizona State alum, Rossini replaces Ray Anderson, who stepped down as athletic director in November.

"The ability to lead the athletics department at my alma mater is a responsibility that I am enormously proud to take on," Rossini said in a statement Thursday. "Our entire athletics department will work relentlessly to support our student-athletes and coaches as we compete at the highest level."

Rossini had served as chief business officer of Sun Devil Athletics, helping the department secure naming rights deals for Arizona State's football stadium and basketball arena. He also was involved in the opening of Mullett Arena, the Sun Devils' hockey arena that they shared with the Arizona Coyotes before the NHL team moved to Salt Lake City.

Rossini previously spent 13 years as vice president of special projects and fan experience for baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks. He led over $300 million in capital projects, including construction of Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the Diamondbacks' spring training home.

"Graham was a talented and valued member of our leadership team before returning home to ASU," said Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall, also an ASU alum. "I entrusted him with critical and transformational projects and programs throughout his tenure, in all areas of our business. His competence, experience, contacts, creativity and vision always brought success to each of these assignments. I look forward to him taking athletics to new heights."

Prior to working for the Diamondbacks, Rossini spent eight years as a member of Arizona State's baseball program, including a stint as director of baseball operations.